Tooth Extraction
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Often, a tooth that has sustained severe damage may be beyond repair and require extraction.
While a dentist will do everything in their power to save a compromised tooth, such as root canal therapy, tooth extraction may be necessary to preserve your oral health or ensure the best orthodontic results.
Depending upon your needs, we can refer you to an oral surgeon who performs simple or complex extractions.
Receive Comprehensive Orthodontic Care From Us
At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, our team can provide comprehensive care at every stage of treatment. For your convenience, we can coordinate all aspects of your dental treatment to ensure optimal results.
If you need a tooth extraction, you may be worried about your overall oral health and you're likely in a lot of pain. Let us help prevent potential problems, prepare you to receive orthodontics, and alleviate your pain all at once! Our caring staff will schedule your appointment as soon as possible to get you on the path to recovery.
We have three offices serving the greater Philadelphia, PA, area, so you can choose a location that's most convenient for you! Our locations in Bensalem, Montgomeryville, and Bala Cynwyd have friendly staff members who can offer safe and comprehensive services.
To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or call:
(610) 617-0700
Find Out Why Patients Find Out Why We're the Best
Alyssa Gospodarek
2021
The best office for orthodontic care. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Hodges since 2008 (had to have braces twice) and never once had a negative experience. The staff is the most friendly group of people I have met in a healthcare facility. My kids will most definitely go to Dr. Hodges if and when they need an orthodontist!
View on GoogleTimmothy Drummond
2021
Dr. Hodges and staff were very professional and made me feel like part of a family during my visits from 2018-2021. I highly recommend Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics for all your orthodontal care. Thank you to the team of Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics for all you do.
View on GoogleReasons Why an Extraction Is Necessary
For patients with a compromised smile, tooth removal may be the best option to protect long-term oral health. We may recommend extraction for several reasons, including:
- Extensive decay or dental infection
- Dental damage due to trauma
- Gum disease
- Hyperdontia, or extra teeth in the mouth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Stubborn baby teeth
- The tooth cannot be saved with root canal therapy
If left untreated, these conditions can impact adjacent teeth and gums, causing more widespread issues. By removing compromised teeth, our dentists can help to preserve dental form and function and save you from costly restorative treatments in the future.
The Extraction Process
Dr. Hodges and her team of dentists will conduct a thorough examination of your smile and take X-rays to determine if extraction is necessary. We can then refer you to a trusted oral surgeon. We work with a team of reputable oral surgeons in the greater Philadelphia, PA, area to provide convenient, collaborative care for our patients.
Your tooth extraction with the oral surgeon will involve several steps:
After extracting the tooth, the site will be sutured closed.
Once your extraction site has healed, dental implants or another type of restorative dentistry may be recommended.
Tooth Extraction Recovery
After surgery, you may experience mild pain, swelling, or bleeding. However, these minor side effects should subside within a few hours to a few days. Patients can change their gauze as needed and manage any discomfort during this period with over-the-counter pain medication. If you have swelling, it can be managed with a cool compress.
Patients can typically return to work the next day, but if you experience continued bleeding or excessive pain, you should contact your doctor.
In the days following your procedure, avoid eating and brushing around the extraction site. These actions can remove the blood clot that protects the extraction site and lead to a dry socket. If the clot is removed, your nerves and bone will be exposed, causing you pain that may require a prescription from your dentist.
Protect Your Smile With Tooth Extraction
Once a tooth has been extracted, some kind of restoration may be in order to return the appearance and functionality of your mouth. Restorations, like dental bridges, can prevent misalignment and replace your missing tooth. A dental implant and crown can replace your tooth and prevent your jawbone from atrophying. Our dentists can go over your restorative options and help you choose something that suits your lifestyle and fits in your budget.
Tooth Extraction Prior to Orthodontic Treatment
Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary prior to orthodontic treatment. For example, when patients have an overcrowded bite, tooth extraction may be the best way to ensure that there is enough space in your smile for teeth to move into proper alignment. We can generally begin orthodontic treatment about one to two weeks following the tooth extraction procedure.
We may recommend tooth extraction for patients receiving orthodontic treatments such as:
In cases where the patient has wisdom teeth, they will be removed first. However, if this procedure does not create sufficient space, we can also extract the bicuspids.
"Dr. Hodges and Her Staff Were Simply Amazing."
Min. Nicole Proctor
2021
Dr. Hodges and her staff were simply amazing. I am grateful to see the beautiful outcome of my son’s smile and confidence. ✨ Dr. Hodges, is full of compassion and quality patient care. This shines through her presence and it’s the attitude of her staff as well. ✨ I highly recommend Dr. Hodges as a consumate professional that truly cares about people. ✨ I’m 50, and I’m thinking I’ll be next in line in her chair.
View on GoogleDamishia Ferguson
2021
Very professional! Clean atmosphere! Friendly staff!! I got my braces off today and I must say my teeth look perfect!!!!! I am soo happy with my outcome it was worth the year and five months that I had them on! I thank Kellyn Hodges team for my perfect smile! If you are looking for an orthodontist I would recommend orthodontic treatment from Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics!!! Thank you guys! Also a very special shout-out to Linda that works there! You are amazing! And thank you Dr. Hodges you’re vibe was very welcoming and also you made me feel comfortable!!!!
View on GoogleHow Can I Pay for Tooth Extraction?
Since tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal are often medically necessary procedures, your insurance provider should contribute to the cost. Our offices across the greater Philadelphia, PA, area accept most insurance plans.
Dr. Hodges and the rest of our friendly staff understand if you don't have insurance, so we also offer payment plans with no down payments and low monthly payments so you can fit this procedure comfortably in your budget.
